Our Saturday football accumulator is an 11/2 treble that comes courtesy of selections from all three of the EFL devisions. With all three teams expected to win their respective matches, it could be a great way to celebrate the last Saturday of the month.

We’re backing two home sides and one away team to get the business done. Here are our selections.

Sunderland V Middlesbrough

At the start of the season, some may have thought that the Tees-Wear derby would be a battle for automatic promotion. Instead, both Sunderland and Middlesbrough enter this weekend’s clash at the Stadium of Light with far more modest ambitions. Nevertheless, the three points are as precious as ever, especially with the passions running strong.

Both clubs have changed manager this season, with minimal impact. However, it’s Chris Coleman’s Black Cats that face the threat of relegation, and that’s largely due to a return of just two home wins all season. Goals have been a problem since Lewis Grabban’s loan deal ended in January too, and it’s hard to see where the hosts will cause problems against a Tony Pulis side.

Boro have been far from perfect, but do boast six wins on the road while they know that a derby triumph would keep them in the hunt for a play-off spot. Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford both scored in Tuesday’s win over Hull. When combined with Britt Assombalonga, their firepower may be too much.

The visitors have won both previous meetings in 2017/18, albeit at the Riverseide, without conceding. Back them to complete a hat-trick here.

Portsmouth V Blackpool

In League One, Kenny Jackett’s Pompey will still think that the play-offs are a realistic target but know that they’ll need to stay strong at Fratton Park to have any chance of making that happen. In truth, a home game against Blackpool should give them a good chance to end February on a high.

Portsmouth boast nine wins and 25 home goals this term while the quality of Brett Pitman and co. can cause problems for the visiting Tangerines, who sit down in 17th. While the visitors did take advantage of Wigan’s cup distraction in their last away outing, it’s hard to overlook their return of just four away wins.

Gary Bowyer’s men are in pretty good form thanks to a four-game unbeaten streak but they’ve already lost to Pompey at Bloomfield Road. With home advantage on Portsmouth’s side, a league double looks likely for the hosts.

It certainly won’t be easy, but Portsmouth restored confidence on Tuesday night with an away win at Fleetwood. They should have the quality to follow it with another win on Saturday.

Luton Town V Cheltenham Town

Automatic promotion looks increasingly inevitable for League Two leaders Luton, but Nathan Joness’ men still have plenty of work to do, starting with Saturday’s home clash against Cheltenham Town. After beating Crawley 4-1 in their last home game, they should be confident about sealing a 14th win in 18 at Kenilworth Road.

The likes of Danny Hylton, Jamie Collins and Elliot Lee have all scored on a frequent basis this term. In fact, the Hatters have 49 goals from their previous 17 league games here and will be eager to punish a Robins defence that has shipped 29 away goals.

Cheltenham have scored 21 goals themselves but have won just one of their last five away games, losing on three occasions. Gary Johnson’s men are in no danger of the drop while the play-offs are equally out of the question. That lack of motivation, along with the inferior quality should be telling.

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